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Saint Catherine of Siena as Spiritual Mother of the Second and Third Orders of Saint Dominic by Cosimo Rosselli

Saint Catherine of Siena as Spiritual Mother of the Second and Third Orders of Saint Dominic

Cosimo Rosselli·1499

Historical Context

Cosimo Rosselli's treatment of this sacred subject in 1499 exemplifies the fifteenth-century approach to sacred subjects, balancing theological orthodoxy with artistic innovation. Painted during the flourishing of the Early Renaissance, the work draws on centuries of iconographic tradition while expressing Cosimo Rosselli's individual interpretation of the divine narrative. The last decades of the fifteenth century represented the culmination of Early Renaissance achievements, with artists in Italy and Northern Europe reaching new heights of technical mastery and expressive power.

Technical Analysis

The devotional work is executed with skilled technique, reflecting Cosimo Rosselli's engagement with the demands of religious painting. The composition balances narrative clarity with spiritual atmosphere, using careful observation to heighten the sacred drama.

See It In Person

National Galleries Scotland

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Visit museum website →

Quick Facts

Medium
Tempera on panel
Dimensions
157.7 × 163.5 cm
Era
High Renaissance
Style
High Renaissance
Genre
Religious
Location
National Galleries Scotland, Edinburgh
View on museum website →

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Portrait of a Man by Cosimo Rosselli

Portrait of a Man

Cosimo Rosselli·ca. 1481–82

Descent from Mount Sinai by Cosimo Rosselli

Descent from Mount Sinai

Cosimo Rosselli·1481

Madonna and Child with Angels by Cosimo Rosselli

Madonna and Child with Angels

Cosimo Rosselli·1483

Madonna and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist by Cosimo Rosselli

Madonna and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist

Cosimo Rosselli·1490

More from the High Renaissance Period

Head of Saint John the Baptist on a Charger by Aelbert Bouts

Head of Saint John the Baptist on a Charger

Aelbert Bouts·ca. 1500

Lucrezia di Lippo di Iacopo Guidi by Andrea del Sarto

Lucrezia di Lippo di Iacopo Guidi

Andrea del Sarto·1525–28

Domenico da Gambassi by Andrea del Sarto

Domenico da Gambassi

Andrea del Sarto·1525–28

Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist by Antonio da Correggio

Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist

Antonio da Correggio·c. 1515